A root canal is a dental treatment and cure for the affected tooth (or teeth). This dental procedure can save the tooth (or teeth) and is quite effective. Here, we will discuss the vital facts and the common misconceptions about root canal treatment and what lies beyond root canal treatment.
[A] 3 Vital Facts About Root Canal Treatment
#1. Root Canal is a Workable Solution
A root canal is intended to stop infections before they begin and thus heal the root. It allows the patients to keep their affected tooth for longer or even for the rest of their lives. The success rate is over 90%.
#2. A Root Canal Doesn’t Damage the Tooth
Root canal treatment is performed to save the tooth and avert tooth extraction. The surface of the root is still intact.
#3. The Tooth Requires Crown After Treatment
Once the root canal treatment is over, the healed tooth needs to be protected with a crown. Without proper sealing and safeguarding the affected tooth with a crown, performing root canal treatment and eliminating the infected tissue and nerves makes no sense.
[B] 3 Common Misconceptions About Root Canal
#1. Root Canal Treatment is Only Required if Pain Exist
Root canal treatment is in place to save a living tooth and preserve a dead tooth from getting infected. A tooth does not only comprise of enamel but also contain nerves and tissue that can get inflamed or infected. Sometimes, the patient may require root canal treatment but might not witness pain.
#2. Root Canals Are Achy
Modern dentistry has made root canal treatment relatively painless. The purpose of a root canal is to relieve pain caused by damaged tissue. It is attained by removing the tissue and getting rid of the source of the pain.
#3. Root Canals May Bring Infection or Disease
This misconception is the result of research performed by Dr Weston Price; however, his research findings have been discredited from the early 1900s. Since then, root canal therapy has been evolved and perfected.
[C] What’s Lies Beyond the Root Canal Treatment?
A root canal treatment is not the solution when a tooth is damaged beyond repair. In such cases, your dentist will recommend you one of the following methods:
#1. Tooth Extraction
Tooth extraction means removing the affected tooth (teeth). Tooth extraction is a faster and less painful alternative to a root canal. The dentist will recommend a bridge, partial denture or dental implant in most cases.
#2. Dental Implant
Dental implants are metal frames or posts, placed into the jawbone underneath your gums using a surgical procedure. And once they are in place, they facilitate your dentist to fix replacement teeth over them.
#3. Dental Bridges
A gap of one or more missing teeth can be filled with a dental bridge comprising one or more artificial (fake) teeth. Usually, a bridge is made of crowns on either side of the missing tooth or teeth supporting the false tooth and is fixed in place with dental cement. As the dentist custom make the bridges, they are fabricated to imitate the natural colour of the teeth. It is hard to make out if someone has dental bridges.
The Bottom Line
If you have pain in your tooth (or teeth), it is best to consult your dentist and take his advice. Whether you need to undertake a root canal treatment or tooth extraction, your dentist can recommend the best treatment and cure for your teeth.
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